Author: oi_admin

With inventory at or near all-time lows, many homes are selling “as is” and moving quickly. In this seller’s market, is a pre-listing home inspection still a good idea? The short answer is “Yes.” Here’s why:

• Homes with a pre-listing inspection sell for more
• Get to closing faster
• Fully understand the home before listing
• Gain seller confidence that they’re getting the best price
• Create buyer trust through transparency about the home’s condition.

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors truly understands the challenges and opportunities this kind of market creates. As North America’s leading home inspection company, we have been ensuring confident home ownership for over 25 years. We are here to help.

Many buyers in today’s red-hot real estate markets are tempted to forego the home inspection. An otherwise strong offer may not even be considered if it has contingencies for the inspection or appraisal for example, yet there are abundant reasons why a home inspection should be a necessity even if it isn’t part of the sales contract.

First, the home inspection allows the potential buyer to learn about any major defects or damage that will need to be addressed. Things like a new roof or repairing a foundation are costly and will need to be budgeted for, on top of all the usual costs of homeownership like property taxes, mortgage payments, insurance and regular maintenance.

Second, the home inspection can reveal potentially dangerous conditions. The electrical system may be outdated or have faulty and unsafe wiring. The panel could be undersized and unable to meet a modern household’s needs. There could be safety issues with the furnace or fireplace that need to be addressed. If the buyer is unaware of existing conditions, it can put them in harm’s way.

Third, a home inspection is also the best way for a buyer to get to know the condition of the home in general. Is the attic adequately insulated? Is the water heater on its last legs? Is that water stain caused by an active leak, or is it not really a concern? These are just a few more examples of how buyers can really benefit from having the home professionally inspected. In short, the buyer needs to know what they’re buying. Whether or not it’s part of the transaction process or takes place after closing, a home inspection is in the buyer’s best interest and is key to their peace of mind.

The charms of living in an older home can be many – history, style, craftsmanship, quirks. But maintenance can be tricky and expensive, especially if certain systems and features have been neglected over the years.

• Energy inefficiency is probably the number one issue with older homes. New windows can be very expensive, but will contribute immensely to reduced energy use and lower heating and cooling costs. Replacement windows are available in several styles and at different price points, so finding ones that suit the look of an older home is easier than ever.
• Poor insulation wastes energy and money, and makes living in the home uncomfortable. The most important area to insulate is the attic, but walls and floors above ventilated crawlspaces should also be insulated if possible.
• Check old water pipes to identify the material and determine if they need to be replaced. Some older materials such as galvanized steel, iron, and even lead are still in use today even though new construction doesn’t allow them. Replacement options include copper and CPVC piping.
• Outdated electrical systems are often found in older homes and may not only be dangerous, they can make the house uninsurable in some situations. Even if no danger is present, we use much more electricity in our homes today and the capacity of older systems may be inadequate. Only a qualified electrician should attempt any repairs or updates to a home’s electrical system.

With careful maintenance and a nod to history, older homes can be comfortable, stylish, and even energy efficient in the right hands.